Harry’s Law: Stars and NBC Chair on Cancellation

by Trevor Kimball, May 14, 2012

Though Harry’s Law was the most-watched scripted TV show on NBC this season, the network cancelled it. As I’ve suggested in the past, advertisers favor shows that attract those in the 18-49 demographic. Though Harry’s Law had a lot of viewers, the legal series had some of the lowest demographic numbers on the network.

When asked why Kathy Bates and company had been let go, NBC chairman Bob Greenblatt said, “It was a difficult decision. Everyone here respects Harry’s Law a lot but we were finding it hard to grow the audience for it. Its audience skewed very old. It’s hard to monetize that.”

Bates broke the news of the show’s cancellation over the weekend. She wrote to fans, “Sad news today. Harry’s Law will not be renewed for a 3rd season. We are all terribly sad. Many thanks for all your support.”

Would you watch Harry's Law on cable?

The actress later noted, “Waiting for this verdict was tough. We wrapped a month ago so it was a very long wait!”

Bates reconciled, “Tough day getting used to the idea of no more Harry. Think I’ll keep her with me 4ever.”

When asked if there was a possibility that Harry’s Law might move to cable, Bates responded, “No hope.” But, responding to an inquiry last night on the subject, Bates wrote, “Not sure, but don’t think so.”

Justine Lupe, who played Phoebe Blake, wrote, “Sad day. Little bit of heartbreak. What a gift to had had this time.”

Actress Karen Olivo, who joined the cast in season two as Cassie Reynolds, responded with a message to her castmates, “It was an honor, my friends!”

Nathan Corddry, who’d been playing Adam Branch since the show began, noted, “I’d thank everyone individually, but the list is too long.Never was happier professionally. Thank you for a wondrful 2 years. #tough2swallow”

What do you think? Are you going to miss Harry’s Law as much as the cast will? If the show did move to another channel, would you follow it?

What a disappointment! I love Harry’s Law and the entire cast. Hard to believe the large group of pre-seniors & seniors don’t carry enough weight. I agree with a previous comment……..maybe I’ll stop watching NBC altogether. Do we really have to get rid of a well written thoughtful show in favor of the mindless entertainment that stays.

What in the hell is the matter with you people? Do you realize how many old people are out here? Not all of us want to watch shows about all young people all the time. It’s nice to see some people over 50 you once in awhile.
Harry’s Law is a really good show! !! I have not missed an episode since it started.
SHAME ON YOU! USE YOUR BRAINS FOR A CHANGE. ITS DISGUSTING.

Going to miss Harry’s Law terribly…great acting and fantastic scripts sending much-needed messages pertinent to our world today. What on earth happened? It deserved better than this…at least 2-3 more seasons. Feel like I lost a member of my family…TV shows are becoming less and less credible and have much less depth. Are we the public being dumbed down?

great show. just wished the world operated a little like this show. Kathy, thanks for your efforts and the laughs, pulling at my heart strings, love you forever! Justine, just started to root for you and what you were going to do next. Nathan, thanks for making us believe again. good luck all in your next endeavors.

I am offended that those over the age of 49 are not considered important enough to be considered when it comes to renewing an excellent television show. It is also ironic that Harry’s Law was the “most watched scripted show” last season. There are millions of Baby Boomers out there who have plenty of money and who can easily quit watching NBC altogether ! Someone is being very shortsighted, and I sincerely hope it comes back to bite them.

What a disgrace..one of the few times I put on NBC (4) and we are done..empty suits make empty minded decisions..what was wrong with it..maybe above their level of understanding…entertaining, informative, timely and even humorous at times..what gives ? Take the network to court and put them on trial in Harry’s courthouse ..that works for me !!

Best and most entertaining “smart series” on television. What a waste that the network panders to the “Reality Show” mentality. The 18 to 49 year old demographic should be insulted by this decision. How can one of the most viewed programs be cancelled by a major network?
We would certainly follow it to cable. Most everything that we watch on network TV is on FOX anyway. Too bad for NBC.

Season One: Outstanding,quirky, well written, great cast. Season Two: Probably due to trying to expand the demographics, way too many social statements. Tonights show completely exaggerated issues regarding homosexuality and how the hetrosexuals (and just plain people) responses are relatively perceived. I give blood regularly; in fact last week. You are not eligible to donate blood if you cannot refute a number of health safety issues. Who (or what) you’ve had sex with is but one of the many reasons that can preclude you from donating. And let’s face it, homosexuality is a sin in the Christian religon. It’s in… Read more »

I can’t believe they are taking one of the very best shows off the air. It seems that every time they put on a show worth watching it ends up getting cancelled!!! This show has absolutely one of the best casts out there! They really play well off of each other and Cathy Bates is awesome in the roll as “Harry”, she deserves an Emmy! Why do you only cater to the younger crowd, after all us “Baby Boomers” really support your network in everything we buy. So……keep “Harry’s Law” going strong….if not on your network, I’d watch it on… Read more »

Yes, of course, I would follow Harry’s Law to a cable network. The cable network’s are where the future is. NBC is a loser network. Maybe CBS will pick up Harry’s Law. They seem to have their act together. I love, love, love Harry’s Law. Boo NBC.